Cushion-heel.



PATENTED JULY 30, 1907.

B. N. 3.. MILLER. CUSHION HEEL.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 19, 1907- INVENTOR.

BY v 1 are reniovaoly located within thehe'el of a shoe or like Iarticle of foot-wear.

The object of iny invention is to provide a'device of this classembodying an effective air-cushion, and one which while yielding to theapplicationof weight in one portion will expand in another portion'sothat an even support for the heel is maintained; and a further object ofthe invention is to provide a durable device of this class and one whichmay be readily placed in position. v p V A form of device in the use ofwhich these objects may be attained is illustrated in theaccompanyingdrawings, in which+- Figure '1 is a view in central sectionthrough a portion of the heel of a shoe showing my improved cushion cuting.

in lengthwise central section. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the body partof the'cushion. Fig. 3 is a top view of the body part with parts brokenaway to show construe-- tion. Fi g. 4 is a view in cross section throughthe body part of the cushion. U

1n the accompanying drawings the numeral 10 denotes the body portion ofthe cushion which is made generally to conforni to the shape of theiiiner portion of the heel of a shoe or like article. On the undersurface of the body portion 10 ribs ll are formed extending parallel orsubstantially so to the edge of the heel. in the forni of device showntwo such ribs are illustrated and a third ribextending lengthwise alongthe heel, the several ribs being located practically parallel and atequal distances apart laterally of the shoe.

Within these ribs air channels 12 are formed, these channels being widerat the bottom than at the top, thus providing lips 13 projecting inopposite directions from the partitions or dividing walls 14. These lipscontract the channels 12 into a narrow opening or slit 21, this being,of especial advantage in ensealing the grooves, and also in theformation of the latter in mold- Within the channels 12, and disposed atproper distances apart, and underlying the lips 13, are struts 15. Inthe form of device shown these struts are oppositely located within thechannels, but it is obvious that other forms and disposition of thestruts may be employed, the object being to support the lips against theweight placed upon the cushion and prevent the upper and under wallsfrom coming in contact, which would cause the effects of the air cushionto be lessened. con- Specifieat on of Letters Patent. ;1Anton usntaglini19.11907. sngi'iisllse'ai sq seminar 30,11 967.

necting channel 16 extends across the body part at the ends of thechannels 12, thus forming a communicat-- ingpassage between each of thechannels. Asealing layer 17, preferably of rubber, is firmly and tightlysecured to the surface of the body part overlying the channels 12, andthus completely ensealing the chem nels. The cushion is less inthickness at the front than' at the rear portion and a flap 18 extendsbeyond the connecting channel 16, this flap also gradually lessening inthickness. A lining 19 may be employed as a finish for the under surfaceof the cushion, and a covering layer 20 of leather or other suitablematerial may be secured to theupp'er surface of the cushion. The lining19 is preferably formed of canvas or like comparatively tough anddurable fabric, and the parts may be secured in any desired manner. Bythus providing channels or chambers evenly disposed about the wholesurface of the cushion, and connecting the enscaled channels or chambersin cans are provided whereby the For instance, should the heel be rockedtending to raise one side from the cushion and place the whole ing theweight of the wearer upon all parts of the cushion. The struts 15, inthis compression of one sideof the cushion, will prevent the upper andunder walls from coming in contact, thus preserving an air cushion atall times about all parts of the cushion. This special constructionenables the heel to be readily molded to I proper shape and allows theniold to be easily removed.

What I claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patentis:'- 5

1. A cushion heel including a body part having channels with oppositelydisposed llps contracting a-slit leading from the channel, communicatingpassages between all of the channels, and a sealing layer overlying saidslots and completely enscaling the channels.

2-. A cushion heel including a body part. channels ex tending about thebody part in a direction conforming practically to the outer edgethereof, communicating pusszrgcs between allot said channels lipsoverlying the channels and contracting the some to a narrow slit, strutsprojecting into the channels and underlying said lips. and

.7 5 heel oi the wearer is evenly supported at all points irre spective'of the, uneven distribution of the weight.

iorming to the outeredge of the cushion, groov'es formed iusaid ribs,comfimnicating passages between 'all of the grooves. lips overlying saidgrooves and contracting them 10 a narrow-slit, struts projectinglaterally from the moves and underlying said'lips, and-an enseal-inglayer secured closely against said lips and compieteiy ensealing saidgrooves. g

'5. A cushion including a body perr hsivin 'g ribsen icis under surfaceextending in direction practically conforming to the edge of thecushion, grooves heated in said I ribs, a rib extending laterally of thecushion, i communi rib, a sealing-layer seeured closely against theupper surigce 'df the cushion-and cbuipleteiy ensealing said grooves;and 'a' lining covering tl 1 e enti re- 1ipper surface of said;

AkTHmi-BJENKINS,

' Lmin E'. BAuKovucH.

